Combining PRP with Other Hair Loss Treatments: Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Beyond

Combining PRP with minoxidil can increase hair growth results by 40% compared to either treatment alone, while adding finasteride to the protocol addresses the underlying hormonal cause of hair loss that PRP cannot treat. This multi-targeted approach represents the gold standard for comprehensive hair restoration in 2026.

Hair loss is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors. Relying on a single treatment often produces limited results because it only addresses one aspect of the problem. In this guide, we'll explain how combining treatments creates synergistic benefits and help you understand which combinations make sense for your situation.

Why Combination Therapy Works Better

Think of hair loss like a plant struggling to grow. Multiple factors affect its health:

  • Soil quality (follicle environment)

  • Water supply (blood flow)

  • Sunlight (growth stimulation)

  • Protection from pests (DHT blocking)

Addressing only one factor produces limited improvement. Optimising all factors together produces healthy, robust growth.

Similarly, hair loss treatments target different mechanisms:

TreatmentPrimary MechanismPRPGrowth factor stimulation, follicle regenerationMinoxidilIncreased blood flow, extended growth phaseFinasterideBlocks DHT (hormonal cause of follicle miniaturisation)LLLTCellular energy stimulationNutritional supportRaw materials for hair production

Combining treatments that work through different pathways creates additive or synergistic effects.

PRP + Minoxidil: The Evidence

How they complement each other:

  • PRP delivers growth factors that stimulate dormant follicles

  • Minoxidil increases blood flow and prolongs the growth phase

Together, follicles receive both the regeneration signal (PRP) and improved nutrient delivery (minoxidil).

The research:

A 2024 randomised controlled trial comparing PRP alone, minoxidil alone, and combination therapy found:

  • PRP alone: 27% improvement in hair density

  • Minoxidil alone: 22% improvement

  • Combination: 38% improvement (40% better than either alone)

The combination group also showed faster results, with significant improvement visible at 3 months versus 4-5 months for monotherapy.

Protocol at The Wellness:

  • Begin minoxidil 5% (foam or solution) twice daily

  • Start PRP treatment course as scheduled

  • Continue minoxidil between PRP sessions

  • Maintain minoxidil alongside PRP maintenance

Important considerations:

  • Apply minoxidil to dry scalp

  • Wait at least 24 hours after PRP before applying minoxidil

  • Minoxidil is a commitment (stopping causes regression)

  • Women should use 2% minoxidil unless directed otherwise (5% can cause facial hair)

Interested in combination therapy? Discuss options via WhatsApp

PRP + Finasteride: Addressing the Root Cause

Why this combination is powerful:

PRP regenerates follicles but doesn't stop the underlying cause of male pattern hair loss: DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Without addressing DHT, hair loss continues even as PRP temporarily improves density.

Finasteride blocks the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT, reducing scalp DHT by approximately 70%.

Combined benefits:

  • Finasteride halts progression by reducing DHT damage

  • PRP actively regenerates follicles weakened by past DHT exposure

This is analogous to fixing water damage (PRP) while also stopping the leak (finasteride).

The evidence:

Studies show:

  • Finasteride alone: Stops progression in 80-90%, improves density in 60-70%

  • PRP alone: Improves density in 90%+ of suitable candidates

  • Combination: Addresses both prevention and restoration

Important considerations:

  • Finasteride is for men only (contraindicated in women of childbearing age)

  • Requires prescription and medical monitoring

  • Side effects affect a minority but should be discussed

  • Takes 6-12 months to show full effect

The Triple Therapy: PRP + Minoxidil + Finasteride

For men with moderate hair loss seeking optimal results, triple therapy combines all three approaches:

Finasteride: Stops the hormonal cause

Minoxidil: Improves blood flow and extends growth phase

PRP: Regenerates weakened follicles with growth factors

This comprehensive approach targets hair loss from multiple angles simultaneously.

Who is a good candidate for triple therapy:

  • Men with early to moderate androgenetic alopecia

  • Those committed to long-term treatment

  • Patients wanting maximum possible results

  • Those who tolerate finasteride without significant side effects

PRP + Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

How they work together:

LLLT (laser caps, combs, or helmets) uses light energy to stimulate cellular metabolism in follicles. This may enhance the regenerative effects of PRP by increasing cellular energy available to respond to growth factors.

The evidence:

Research on LLLT alone shows modest benefits. When combined with PRP, some studies suggest enhanced results, though evidence is less robust than for minoxidil combinations.

Practical approach:

  • Use LLLT device as directed (typically every other day)

  • Continue during PRP treatment course

  • May enhance but not replace other therapies

PRP + Nutritional Optimisation

Why nutrition matters:

Hair follicles are rapidly dividing cells requiring adequate:

  • Protein: Building blocks for hair keratin

  • Iron: Oxygen delivery and cell function

  • Zinc: Hair growth and repair

  • Vitamin D: Follicle cycling

  • Biotin: Hair structure

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Scalp health

The integration:

Blood testing (which we recommend before PRP) identifies deficiencies. Correcting these ensures follicles have the raw materials to respond optimally to PRP growth factors.

Protocol:

  • Blood test for ferritin, vitamin D, B12, zinc, thyroid

  • Supplement deficiencies appropriately

  • Consider hair-specific supplements (biotin, omega-3)

  • Protein intake assessment for vegetarians/vegans

Treatment Combinations for Women

Women have different options due to finasteride restrictions:

Recommended combinations:

  • PRP + Minoxidil 2%: Effective baseline combination

  • PRP + Spironolactone: If androgens elevated (requires prescription)

  • PRP + Nutritional optimisation: Often significant gains from correcting deficiencies

  • PRP + LLLT: Additional stimulation without hormonal effects

Women's advantage:

Since female hair loss typically involves thinning rather than complete baldness, combination therapy can produce substantial improvement.

Creating Your Personalised Protocol

At The Wellness, we don't prescribe one-size-fits-all combinations. We assess:

Your specific diagnosis: Different types of hair loss benefit from different combinations.

Your gender: Women and men have different options.

Your medical history: Some medications have interactions or contraindications.

Your risk tolerance: Discussion of side effect profiles.

Your commitment level: Some combinations require significant daily adherence.

Your goals: Stabilisation versus restoration versus maximum improvement.

Based on this assessment, we create a personalised protocol.

Starting Combination Therapy: What to Expect

Timeline:

Months 1-3:

  • Begin all components of combination therapy

  • Start PRP treatment course

  • Allow medications to begin working

  • Little visible change yet

Months 3-6:

  • PRP course completing

  • Reduced shedding often noticed

  • Early new growth visible

  • Existing hair may appear healthier

Months 6-12:

  • Significant improvement typically evident

  • Combination effects becoming clear

  • Transition to maintenance phase

Ongoing:

  • Continue medications (minoxidil, finasteride if applicable)

  • PRP maintenance sessions

  • Monitor and adjust as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start PRP and minoxidil at the same time?

Yes. We often recommend starting both simultaneously for maximum benefit. They work through different mechanisms and don't interfere with each other.

Do I need to continue minoxidil forever?

If you stop minoxidil, any gains from it specifically will gradually reverse over 3-6 months. Many patients prefer to continue it long-term alongside PRP maintenance.

Can finasteride side effects be avoided?

Most men tolerate finasteride well. Side effects affect approximately 2-4% of users. If concerned, we can discuss topical finasteride (lower systemic absorption) or other options.

How do I know which combination is right for me?

This is determined during your consultation based on your diagnosis, gender, medical history, and goals. We recommend evidence-based combinations appropriate for your situation.

Is combination therapy more expensive?

Additional medications add cost (minoxidil: £15-30/month; finasteride: £10-40/month). However, improved results often mean better value overall.

Can I just use medications without PRP?

Yes, medications alone help many patients. However, PRP adds regeneration capability that medications don't provide. Combination typically produces superior results.

Start Your Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Maximise your hair restoration results with a personalised combination approach. At The Wellness, we assess your individual situation and recommend evidence-based protocols tailored to your needs.

Create your optimal treatment plan. Book a consultation via WhatsApp

Medically reviewed February 2026

Last updated: February 2026

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